People who say you should never visit touristy destinations have probably never been to Koh Phi Phi. It’s one of our favorite islands in Thailand, not because it’s untouched and off-the-beaten-track, but because of its intoxicating atmosphere. The twin-island archipelago combines spectacular natural beauty, loads of activities, and buzzing nightlife into one small but punchy package. Your days can start quietly onboard a longtail boat drifting into hidden bays, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and end with exhilarating fire shows on the beach.

There are two main islands you need to differentiate between: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. One is the inhabited base which acts as the tourist hub, while the other is completely uninhabited and made famous by “The Beach” movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

While not as awe-striking as Maya Bay, Phi Phi Don still offers plenty of natural beauty: limestone cliffs, golden beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs and sunset viewpoints can all be found on this hourglass-shaped island. But the highlight, for us anyway, is the vibrancy of Tonsai village. By wandering aimlessly through the narrow, winding streets you’ll stumble across everything from seafood grills and craft stalls, to dive shops and beer pong bars.

There’s no denying the fact that tourism has had an impact on Koh Phi Phi and not always in a good way. Maya Bay had to temporarily shut its doors just to let the ecosystem recover. But it’s back open now and has stronger protections put in place - like no direct boat access - which will hopefully help futureproof it for many years to come.

Even with the crowds, Koh Phi Phi still retains its magic. The absence of cars on the island makes everything feel slower and more relaxed, there’s a few hidden spots to watch the sunset blaze across the bay, and it’s easy to mix with locals at their favorite markets nestled behind Tonsai village’s main strip. If you come to Koh Phi Phi expecting to have beaches all to yourself, you’ll definitely be disappointed. But if you arrive with an open embrace of the island, warts and all, you’ll have one of the most unforgettable island experiences of your life.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Wang Long Bay — *Exploring hidden gems of Koh Phi Phi*

Why We Love Koh Phi Phi

We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Koh Phi Phi four or five times now - sometimes for extended stays where we just focus on the island itself, and other times for short transits where we visit Phi Phi enroute to Koh Lanta or the Trang Islands. For us, it marks the transition from mainland to “island mode” and arriving feels special every time: cruising across the Andaman, speedboats whizzing by, and limestone cliffs rising from the sea out in the horizon. This is when Cam puts “Porcelain” by Moby on his AirPods, and we sit back and admire the views.

Stepping off the ferry, to Tonsai Pier, is always an exciting moment. You’ll see backpackers surging toward their hostels, friendly porters greeting guests with signs, and a McDonalds right by the pier - the very definition of commercialization run amok. But to be honest, we don’t mind. We just put on our backpacks and head down the little alleyways to our accommodation, immersing ourselves in the fun that is Tonsai village.

That’s one of the main reasons why we love Koh Phi Phi, everywhere is walkable, and believe it or not Google Maps actually works! You can follow the map or just follow your nose to beaches and restaurants, jungle trails and drycleaners, and everything else in between. In our opinion, Koh Phi Phi has everything you could ever want in an island escape and it’s easy to see how some expats have never left. You can party all night, relax by the beach all day and still find pockets of quiet on the outskirts of Tonsai village.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Arriving — *Arriving at Koh Phi Phi*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Backpacks — *Walking to the hotel with our backpacks*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Longtail Boat Private Trip — *Longtail trips in Koh Phi Phi*

20 Best Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi

1. Do the Morning Speedboat Tour to Maya Bay

No trip to Koh Phi Phi is complete without booking a Maya Bay speedboat tour. After all, this beach, framed by massive limestone cliffs, is what turned the islands into a global icon. Over-tourism forced its closure between 2018-2022, but it has since reopened under much more sustainable policies.

Visitors now arrive via a pier at the back of the island, and walk through a short jungle trail to emerge onto the beach. This reveal, through the jungle, is nothing short of spectacular. The limestone cliffs encircle the bay like an amphitheatre, and the waters are emerald green. We decided to take the early morning tour from Phi Phi Don, in order to beat the crowds. It was pretty busy, but we could still find a little spot on the beach for ourselves.

Unfortunately, you can’t swim anymore at Maya Bay. This is a hard pill to swallow for many travelers, however keeping the beach in pristine condition is the top priority for Thai authorities at the moment. Pi Leh Bay is another highlight of the day where you get to go swimming and snorkeling in a stunning lagoon.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay Speedboat Tour — *Speedboat tour to Maya Bay*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay — *Maya Bay early in the morning without crowds*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay Limestone Cliffs — *Admiring the limestone cliffs of Maya Bay*

2. Take a Longtail Trip to Nui Beach

One night on Koh Phi Phi, we were coming back from a fire show at Carlito’s Bar and we stumbled into a longtail captain returning from sea. We didn’t really know how to book private longtail trips, but we thought we’d ask him and give it a shot. He knew all about Nui Beach and offered to take us the next morning. So naturally, we jumped at the opportunity.

We negotiated a price of 2,000 THB for a half-day trip, which might’ve been too much in hindsight but the experience was worth it. The scene at Nui Beach is lovely. A small cove, surrounded by limestone cliffs and unique rock formations. There were only a few other people there when we arrived, which was nice. This part of Koh Phi Phi stays relatively quiet, as it’s only accessible by boat, and is more peaceful than Loh Dalum (for example).

Since we arrived at around 9:00 AM, the beach was covered in shadows and we couldn’t start sunbathing/swimming until around 10:00 AM when the sun became high enough. After a few hours passed, the sun lit up the beach and we spent our time swimming in the unbelievably clear emerald waters. If you’d like to do a similar trip, we suggest leaving in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the small group tours that pull in around mid-day.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Longtail Captain — *Our captain taking us back from Nui Beach*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Nui Beach — *Nui Beach*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Nui Beach Longtail Trip — *Nui Beach*

3. Discover Wang Long Bay (A Hidden Gem)

Wang Long Bay is, hands down, our favorite place in Koh Phi Phi. We spent another wonderful half-day here on a private longtail trip from Tonsai Pier. It’s remained a bit of a local secret, so be careful telling too many people about it! You arrive via a small gap in the limestone cliffs, a setting that makes for dramatic and incredible photos.

Once you slip between the cliffs, the longtail can anchor a few meters away from the cutest little beach you’ll ever see. Then, you’re free to jump off the boat into the turquoise waters and swim a short distance to the beach. It’s very still and echoey inside the bay, which gives it this magical eerie feeling. We also remember seeing lots of birds flying overhead which only added to the atmosphere.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Wang Long Bay Beach — *Secluded beach at Wang Long Bay*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Hidden Gem — *Good times at Wang Long Bay*

4. Relax on Phi Phi Don’s Main Beaches

What surprised us most about the main beaches in Koh Phi Phi was just how clean they were considering the level of tourism. We spent a few really enjoyable afternoons on Loh Dalum Beach, soaking up the sun and eating street food snacks under the shade. The beach is lined with restaurants and casual bars where you can have lunch or a few cocktails after you’ve seen enough sun.

The best thing about these beaches is that they’re all easily walkable from Tonsai village. We can’t stress enough just how awesome it is to have so many amenities so close to each other. Another popular beach, which requires a bit of a hike though, is Long Beach - reached via a 25-minute coastal jungle trail. It’s quiet, relaxing and offers superb snorkeling.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Beach Relaxing — *Loh Dalum Beach*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Loh Dalum Beach — *Longtail boats*

5. Hire a Kayak and Go Exploring

Loh Dalum Beach also offers kayak rentals, which is a fun way to explore the bay and see different perspectives of the beach. You can rent via the hour or for a full-day depending on how adventurous you are. We recommend bringing a dry bag, sunscreen and a hat. Morning or late afternoon paddles are best when the sea is calm.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Kayaking — *Kayaks at Loh Dalum Beach*

6. Get Lost in Tonsai Village’s Little Streets

Tonsai village is one of the coolest island hubs in Thailand in our opinion. There’s no cars, only the occasional scooter or porter carrying bags/goods on trollies. Be sure to wander without a plan, take random corners and stop at what catches your eye: it could be a tattoo studio, massage shop, boat tour agency, seafood restaurant or pop-up bar.

We stumbled upon our favorite food market by just wandering around, where we ate for a fraction of the price every night. We’re not sure what it’s called, but walk around for long enough and you’ll find it. The food here is authentic, street-food-style, and most of the patrons are locals - so you know it’s good (more on that below).

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Beef Noodle Soup — *Local market in Koh Phi Phi*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Luggage Cart — *Koh Phi Phi by night*

7. Eat at the Local Food Markets

Eating out at beachside restaurants can get pricey, so we recommend hunting for the local markets and food courts that serve much cheaper (and more delicious) food. We eat here on all our trips to Phi Phi because we love the scene: plastic chairs, wooden stalls, cold beers and huge portions of pad thai, beef noodle soup, spicy papaya salad, and mango sticky rice. We love mixing with the local workers and find them to be more friendly than the staff at some of the more fancy restaurants.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Local Market — *Local food market*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Market Street Food — *Delicious local food*

8. Partake in a Bit of “DIY” Yoga

While several high-end resorts in Koh Phi Phi offer yoga classes, and there’s known to be a few “walk-in” studios in Tonsai village, the best option for yoga is actually just “doing it yourself”. Wake up early for sunrise and head to Long Beach or to the Phi Phi Viewpoint (Platform 1), and enjoy a self-guided stretch while the island slowly wakes up. It’s a wonderful meditative practice to balance out the partying you’ll be doing.

9. Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint for Sunset

Every list of things to do in Koh Phi Phi includes the famous viewpoint because it’s that good! The trail starts in Tonsai village, and winds up for about 30-40 minutes. The walk isn’t too hard but the heat can slow you down (Kat for one was sweating up a storm). At the top, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view looking out over the twin bays. You won’t be the only one at the viewpoint for sunset but the communal atmosphere at the top is fun.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 — *Phi Phi Viewpoint 1*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Phi Phi Viewpoint — *Phi Phi Viewpoint*

10. Scuba Dive or Snorkel in the Nearby Islands

There’s usually two types of crowds at Koh Phi Phi: party-goers and divers. Thus, the island naturally has some amazing dive sites to choose from such as Bida Nok, Bida Nai and Shark Point. But there’s also plenty of options for casual travelers - snorkeling trips to Bamboo Island or Mosquito Island that can be just as good. You’ll find plenty of dive shops and travel agencies at Tonsai village, so just pop in and enquire about a tour.

11. Take a Cheesy Photo with Ronald McDonald

Yes, it’s super cheesy (excuse the pun), but taking a photo with the Ronald McDonald statue outside Tonsai Pier is somewhat of a tradition now. We don’t recommend eating here though, as Thai food is 1000x healthier and more nourishing. However, if you have to (maybe to nurse a strong hangover), just be sure to wash it down with some fresh fruit and coconut water.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - McDonalds — *McDonalds*

12. Book a Boat Tour to Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island, otherwise called Koh Mai Phai, gives you the ultimate “castaway” island feel. Just a 30-minute longtail ride from Phi Phi Don, this tiny speck of an island is home to powdery white sand, brilliant turquoise waters and swaying casuarina trees. A snorkeling tour is the easiest way to explore Bamboo Island, as it's often included with other stops, but for the more adventurous types a private longtail trip provides more free time to explore the island at your own pace - whether you want to swim, snorkel or just nap under the trees. The reef is shallow but excellent, known for its colorful clownfish, sea urchins and bright coral.

13. Watch a Fire Show at Carlito’s Bar

We saw a sign outside Carlito’s Bar that said “Fire Show at 9:00 PM”, so we decided to make a night of it. Arriving a bit earlier, we secured our front row seats on plastic chairs, ordered a cocktail bucket to share with straws, and sat back as the crowd trickled in. Three performers then came on stage and started the show, juggling flaming sticks and even forming a human pyramid at one point. At the end, they invited guests up on stage to be part of the performance and try their hand spinning a few torches.

Carlito’s is by no means the only place that hosts fire performances on Koh Phi Phi. Slinky Bar, Stones Bar and Ibiza Pool Party all do their own versions, with a more “daredevil” style, but we found Carlito’s to be good for a more relaxing (less party) atmosphere.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Fire Show Carlito's Bar — *Fire show at Carlito’s Bar*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Fire Show at Carlitos Bar — *Fire show performers*

14. Watch a Muay Thai Fight at Reggae Bar

Reggae Bar is nothing short of an institution in Koh Phi Phi, made famous for its nightly Muay Thai fights hosted in a miniature stadium. There are different bouts that take place throughout the night, some are professional Muay Thai fighters while others are tipsy backpackers volunteering to fight their mates. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who want to start their night out with a bang, Reggae Bar is a top choice.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Reggae Bar — *Reggae Bar*

15. Enjoy the Nightlife of Koh Phi Phi

Many young people come to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife alone and it’s easy to see why. There’s something for everyone, from barefoot beach bars to nightclubs with banging DJ sets. We’re at the age (mid 30s) where our party days are well and truly behind us, but we’ve still enjoyed a few fun nights out on the island. We’ve played beer pong with fellow travelers, partied until the wee hours at Slinky Bar and shared beers with locals at the markets. If you’re coming to Phi Phi to party, make sure you arrive well rested. You won’t be sleeping much.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Beer Pong — *Kat playing beer pong*

16. Go Shopping at Tonsai Village

When you need a break from beaches and boat trips, a touch of retail therapy always goes down well. Simply wander through the stalls at Tonsai village and see what you like. It could be a comfortable sarong, a new swimsuit, a hand-woven bracelet, carved wooden souvenirs, or a beautiful painting or framed photo of Koh Phi Phi. There’s boutique clothes shops too - a mix of Thai and surf styles. So both men and women are catered for. Just remember, prices can be flexible. Barter politely and everyone leaves happy.

17. Get a Thai Massage

No matter where you are in Thailand, a traditional Thai massage is the most surefire way to restore and rejuvenate your body. In Koh Phi Phi, you’ll find a mix of huts and spas pretty much everywhere: along the beaches, in Tonsai village and at the resorts. We dropped into one on our last day on the island and enjoyed 90 minutes of bliss.

18. Watch the Sunset from a Hidden Bar

Phi Phi Viewpoint and Long Beach are considered two of the best sunset spots on the island but from our experience, there’s a few places outside Tonsai village which are just as good. One evening we were out exploring the streets, and saw a bar with a viewing platform over the bay. We walked in, ordered drinks, watched longtails drift home and saw the sky catch fire - it was probably the best sunset we’ve ever seen on Koh Phi Phi.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Sunset — *Sunset in Koh Phi Phi*

19. Hike to Loh Moo Dee Beach

If you’re tired of competing for space on Phi Phi’s main beaches, then make the journey to Loh Moo Dee Beach, arriving before 10:00 AM. Set on the southeast coast, this beach is reached via a 30-60 minute hike from Tonsai Pier (depending on your fitness levels). The trail winds through shaded forest, and requires heading up a few hilly sections, before opening up to a perfectly curved beach. It doesn't attract big crowds, like Loh Dalum, and there’s often a small beach shack there run by local Rastafarians selling snacks and drinks.

20. Plan Your Next Island Adventure

The next island on the route is typically Koh Lanta, which offers a totally different experience: larger, more open and more orientated around local experiences. There’s also the Trang Islands of Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan (which we absolutely love), as well as Koh Lipe situated at the very south of Thailand. It’s easy to book your onward travel from the ferry companies in Koh Phi Phi - whether it’s a direct trip, multi-stop journey, slow ferry or fast speedboat.

When to Visit Koh Phi Phi

The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi (when we typically go) is from November to April when the seas are calm, skies are blue and the humidity is low. The visibility for diving/snorkeling is also excellent during this time, but just know that the hotel/resort prices start to increase between December and February.

The monsoon season (May to October) is probably the worst time to visit Koh Phi Phi. Rainfall is often short and sharp, rather than dreary and all day long, however the rough sea conditions can really limit your activities and travel options. Very importantly: Maya Bay closes from August 1 through to September 30 every year now, to allow for ecosystem recovery. So, whatever you do, don’t book during this period if you’re hoping to visit.

April and October constitute the shoulder season in Koh Phi Phi and can make for a great alternative to peak season. The humidity skyrockets in April, yet the crowds tend to dissipate (which is a plus if you can handle the heat). October is good for lower hotel prices while still having reasonably good weather.

How to Get to Koh Phi Phi

Phuket: (Rassada Pier) - It takes around 2 hours by ferry or 60 minutes by speedboat, however the latter is more expensive.
Krabi: (Klong Jilad Pier or Ao Nang) - Between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on where you depart from. Ao Nang Beach is the fastest route.
Koh Lanta: About 60 minutes via speedboat, ideal when you’re completing an island-hopping route out of Koh Lipe and the Trang Islands.
Bangkok: The only practical route is flying first to Phuket or Krabi, and then transferring to the pier for a boat ride.

There’s no airport on Koh Phi Phi, so you’ll need to travel via boat. When you do arrive, there’s usually a small environmental fee that you have to pay at Tonsai Pier (20 THB from memory). And from there, it’s a short walk or luggage-cart ride away to your hotel.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Pier — *Pier at Koh Phi Phi*

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi

Budget - Blanco Beach Bar Hostel

Blanco Beach Bar Hostel is a popular backpacker stay, ideally situated on the shores of Loh Dalum Beach. Only book here if you can handle a social scene, parties, pub crawls and importantly loud nights. If you want to stay somewhere quieter while still saving money, perhaps the budget homestays on the outskirts of Tonsai village are a suitable option.

High End – Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort

Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort is at the quieter end of Loh Dalum Beach, away from the nightlife sounds emanating from Slinky Bar and Ibiza Pool Party. It comes equipped with bamboo bungalows and a pool. It’s ideal for mature couples or groups of friends looking for a stylish and relaxed stay.

Luxury – SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort

SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort is one of the most luxurious properties in the Andaman Sea. You’ll get to access a private stretch of Loh Ba Kao Bay, stay in elegant thatched-roof villas, swim in an infinity pool and eat at various, high quality restaurants. It’s pricey but pure paradise.

Tips for Visiting Koh Phi Phi

Pack Light: Unless your hotel has luggage porters waiting for you at Tonsai Pier, you’ll need to carry your bags along narrow sandy lanes. Wheels on a suitcase only get you so far, which is why a lightweight backpack is ideal.
Bring Cash: There are ATMs on Koh Phi Phi but they're known for running out of cash or breaking down without warning. Cash is king in Thailand.
Respect Nature: The tourist inflows make Koh Phi Phi a notoriously difficult place to protect but if every traveler does their part, it can remain pristine for generations to come.
Book Well in Advance (Dec–Feb): Peak season fills up fast, and the longer you wait the higher the prices get due to supply and demand. So book ASAP.
Take Your Trips Early in the Morning: Whether it’s to Maya Bay, Wang Long Bay or Loh Moo Dee Beach, getting there early in the morning means you’ll have less crowds to contend with and softer light for photography.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Longtail Boats — *Longtail boats at Koh Phi Phi*

20 Best Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi (Beyond Maya Bay)